{"id":156196,"date":"2025-09-18T20:22:15","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T17:22:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/156196\/"},"modified":"2026-02-24T20:40:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T20:40:57","slug":"lithuanian-foreign-minister-urges-eu-to-boost-funding-for-members-bordering-russia-belarus","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/156196\/","title":{"rendered":"Lithuanian foreign minister urges EU to boost funding for members bordering Russia, Belarus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

September 18, Pozirk.<\/em><\/strong> More European Union funding is needed for the bloc\u2019s eastern members bordering Russia and Belarus, Lithuanian Foreign Minister K\u0119stutis Budrys said at a meeting in Vilnius with former Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius, now a member of the European Commission (EC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The EU should strengthen its eastern border, because that is where European security begins, Budrys said. \u201cWe expect significant EU funding for initiatives of particular importance to Lithuania\u2014the Baltic Defense Line, the East Shield and the drone border,\u201d he said, as quoted by the ministry\u2019s press office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the diplomat, the EC\u2019s increased attention to defense and new EU initiatives in the field are crucial for achieving a strong and sustainable Europe. He envisions a union taking care of its security, helping Ukraine defend itself from Russian aggression and making proper contributions to transatlantic cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budrys welcomed the EC\u2019s decision to allocate \u20ac6.3 billion for Lithuania’s defense under SAFE, a new instrument to enhance the EU\u2019s defense capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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